The beginning of spring brings plenty of joyful activities. In Naples, Aldo Castillo Gallery presents an exhibition inspired by the works of Andy Warhol. A boat show in Bonita Springs beckons ship lovers from all over to see the latest and greatest vessels. And, in Fort Myers, music icon Bob Dylan graces Southwest Florida for a one-night-only show. Don’t miss these hot-ticket events in March.
Now through March 3
Bonita Springs Boat Show at Bonita Springs Poker Room
In its 35th year, the show features hundreds of boats on display from the area’s major dealers. Visitors find boat lifts, engines and electronics to meet their nautical needs. Fishing seminars and a Be in the Know Zone educate those new to Southwest Florida water sports with experienced boaters and a reference guide. Learn More
Now through March 10
Festival Under the Stars 2024 at Cambier Park and Wang Opera Center, Naples
Opera Naples unites with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation for an iconic festival featuring Opera Naples artists and international performers. Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta, introduces the evocative documentary Luciano Pavarotti: His Life at the Wang Opera Center on March 6. Other performances take the al fresco stage at Cambier Park, including Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Gulfshore Ballet’s take on Carmen. Learn More
Now through April 6
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Broadway Palm, Fort Myers
The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical, named for one of Carole King’s greatest hits, tells the story of the artist’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer. It features more than 24 songs from her discography. Learn More
March 2
Bonita Springs National Art Festival at Riverside Park
Top-rated among fine art festivals in the United States, the Arts Bonita event brings more than 200 juried artists to display and sell their wares in 16 categories of artwork—including handcrafted sculptures, jewelry and paintings. Learn More
March 2
Southwest Florida Reading Festival at Fort Myers Regional Library
Bestselling adult, teen and children’s authors—including writer Matthew Quirk, whose political thriller The Night Agent was adapted into a hit Netflix series—headline the 25th annual outdoor reading festival in Downtown Fort Myers. Attendees can meet some of the authors and enter a contest to name a character in the authors’ forthcoming books. Book sales, author signings, storytelling and youth contests round out the day’s activities. Learn More
March 3
Taste of Punta Gorda at Laishley Park
More than 20 restaurants and another 60 dessert, beverage, nonprofit and arts and craft vendors offer all the goods for the more than 5,000 festival-goers at the town’s primary culinary event. Feast on baked goods and sweet treats like ice cream and lemonade as live music fills the venue. Learn More
March 5–6
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at Artis—Naples
Acclaimed conductor Franz Welser-Möst returns to conduct the prominent Vienna Philharmonic with two evenings of extraordinary music. March 5 features masterpieces by Richard Strauss, Arnold Schoenberg, Maurice Ravel and Paul Hindemith, weaving a tapestry of emotion and musical brilliance. The following evening’s performance revolves around Gustav Mahler’s monumental Ninth Symphony, often revered as his finest composition. Learn More
March 5–23
Sanibel Music Festival at Peace Lutheran Church, Fort Myers
The six-concert series brings international classical musicians to appreciative audiences every Tuesday and Saturday evening throughout its March season. Talents this year include nationally known groups like the Manhattan Chamber Players and Opera Theater of Connecticut. Learn More
March 6-27
Homage to Andy Warhol at Aldo Castillo Gallery, Naples
As part of the gallery’s Master Series, this group displays works made in tribute to the Pop Art iconoclast, Campbell soup cans and all. Learn More
March 7
Barcelona Flamenco Ballet at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Known for its impressive productions, the Barcelona Flamenco Ballet travels worldwide to present an innovative combination of traditional and contemporary flamenco dance. It performs to musical styles ranging from conventional flamenco to classical and jazz. Learn More
March 7
Bob Dylan at Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Fort Myers
The legendary, 10-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter performs hits off his 2020 Rough and Rowdy Ways album, which received critical acclaim. Learn More
March 7-9
Sanibel Shell Festival at The Community House, Sanibel Island
The longstanding tradition honors Sanibel Island’s reputation as a world-famous seashell-collecting destination, showcasing shell art and crafts with People’s Choice Awards, a raffle drawing, shell-art vendors and tanks of live mollusks. Learn More
March 7-17
Neil Simon’s Little Me at TheatreZone, Naples
Considered among the singer’s funniest book-to-stage creations, the renowned musical enjoyed a long Broadway run in 1962 and has since experienced several revivals. Lead character Belle Poitrine climbs the social ladder on the backs of the men who ultimately meet with unfortunate and comic ends at opportune moments. New York-based Adolpho Blaire skillfully handles the seven characters and their different accents in this rendition. Learn More
March 9
Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top at Hertz Arena, Estero
Upon extending their first-ever co-headlining tour, “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man,” these classic rock legends appear in Southwest Florida with several original band members. Named for a mash-up of hits from each band, the tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd and pays homage to both enduring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bands. Learn More
March 9
Immokalee Cattle Drive & Jamboree at Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
Honoring the frontier spirit and rich agricultural history of Florida’s heartland, the cattle drive starts along Main Street in Immokalee, led by cattle boss Heather Cleckler, a descendant of the pioneering Roberts family. It leads to Roberts Ranch, a former farmstead listed on the National Register of Historic Places and today operated as a Collier County museum. When “the cows come home,” the old-time fun begins with storytelling, roping, whip-cracking and traditional food demonstrations, plus music, craft and food vendors. Learn More
March 9
SWFL Wellness Fair at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park, Fort Myers
Connect with fellow healthy lifestyle enthusiasts in this annual event that includes free yoga classes, advice from mental health professionals and a market of local wellness retailers. Learn More
March 10
Magical Musical Tour 10th Anniversary GO Gala concert at First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs
The gala celebration begins with a musical journey across time and genres, featuring beloved Gulfshore Opera artists performing melodies from arias to popular classic hits of the 1960s and 1970s. Guests who opt for the Gala package proceed to The Club at the Strand for an elegant Meet the Artists dinner, receive premium concert tickets and are invited to an exciting after-party with dancing in the Charleston Room. Learn More
March 12-16
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
ECHO Global Farm celebrates its mission to support people facing hunger through teaching for five days each year, with tours of the 57-acre gardens and workshops about building an edible landscape for your home. Taste, touch and experience your way around the globe as you learn about world hunger, sustainable living and innovative gardening through demonstrations such as grinding peanuts and sugar cane crushing. Learn More
March 12 — April 7
Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at Players Circle Theater, Fort Myers
The theater company plays up the Florida setting of the storyline in this international favorite. The show follows Lily, a lonely widow who seeks companionship through dancing instruction. Her teacher, Michael, is sharp, but their relationship evolves into an unlikely friendship. Learn More
March 12 — June 8
Daydreaming: Niki Butcher’s Hand-Painted Photography at Marco Island Historical Museum
The photographer has made a name for her own handpainted, black-and-white photos depicting Florida scenery. The exhibition showcases 60 images created over five decades. Inspired by old Florida postcards, Niki hand-colors her photographs in vibrant tones and pastel hues. Learn More
March 13-30
Vanities at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island
Vanities follows three Texas girls from their 1960s cheerleading days through college and a brief New York reunion years later. Lives change and relationships sour, leaving the women eager to leave their once vivacious friendship in the past. Learn More
March 14-17
Nick Swardson at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples
The established comedian has toured with legends like Adam Sandler, David Spade and Rob Schneider and has appeared on his own solo tours and TV specials, such as Nick Swardson: Taste It. A regular on late-night TV talk shows, Nick has also starred in, co-created and written TV and web series, including Chozen and Reno 911! Learn More
March 15 — April 28
Uprising Exhibit at BIG ARTS Sanibel Island
With a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, Wendy Klemperer pivoted to studying art in New York City. She uses scrap metal for her large-scale sculptures, which emerge from surrounding vegetation throughout BIG ARTS’ grounds. She studies animal body motion to portray wildlife and human emotion. Learn More
March 16
Estero Fest at Estero Community Park
Celebrate the village’s 10th anniversary with decadent food truck bites, a beer and wine garden and live music from Southwest Florida country group the Ben Allen Band. Make sure to pack some chairs and blankets for the outdoor concert in the park. Learn More
March 16
The Temptations & The Four Tops at Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
In the middle of a six-concert tour throughout the U.S., these legendary American hitmakers from the 1960s come together for a night of nostalgia. Learn More
March 16
Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Fifth Avenue South
What began as a fun-loving group of residents 40 years ago has grown into the largest privately funded parade in Florida, drawing more than 40,000 spectators downtown to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. From Third Street South to Fifth Avenue South and city hall, floats, fire engines, high school marching bands, dancers and revelers embrace the shamrock. Don’t miss special guest and parade grand marshal, former Pittsburgh Steelers player Rocky Bleier. Learn More
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda
Don your green duds for this celebration. As luck would have it, Fishermen’s Village devotes the day to Irish music with bagpipers and other live performances. Restaurants throughout the complex serve Irish-inspired drinks and dishes. Learn More
March 19-24
Six at Artis—Naples
The six wives of Henry VIII take center stage in the show that won the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Composer-lyricist duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss made their Broadway debut with this modern retelling of the Tudors presented as a pop concert. Learn More
March 19-30
Richard Segalman exhibit at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
Richard Segalman long drew inspiration from Naples’ coastal settings. Harmon-Meek Gallery has proudly represented the late artist’s works since 1981 and has hosted a solo exhibition every year since. Learn More
March 19 — April 14
Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
An award-winning production pays tribute to one of the great innovators of country music. Audiences sing along with some of his memorable contributions to American music, such as “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Hey, Good Lookin.’” Learn More
March 21 — April 21
She Loves Me at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
As Gulfshore Playhouse’s final regular season at the Norris Center winds down before its move to new digs, this show acts as a farewell love letter. Based on the play that inspired films You’ve Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner from the theatrical talent behind Fiddler on the Roof and Cabaret, this bubbly and witty romantic musical returns to a 1930s European perfumery and fellow employees who spar at work but, unbeknownst to both, are amorous pen pals. Learn More
March 23
Brewfest at Cultural Park, Cape Coral
It’s free of charge to enjoy local musicians, admire classic vehicles and shop local vendors and food trucks. Ticketholders sample sips from local breweries like Fort Myers Brewing Company and Point Ybel Brewing Company, and all profits benefit the Cape Coral Museum of History. Learn More
March 23-24
Downtown Art Fair at Cambier Park, Naples
Art creators, collectors and enthusiasts gather for the Naples Art Institute event in Naples. More than 200 exhibitors bring a vast variety of mediums and styles, from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media. Learn More
March 26-31
Mrs. Doubtfire at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Bringing one of America’s best-loved comic films to the stage, Mrs. Doubtfire delivers all the laughs and family heart as it lets the audience in on the secret—the true identity of the new Scottish nanny. Tony-nominated actor Rob McClure reprises his role on tour with his wife and co-star, Maggie Lakis. Learn More
